In a 101-day impasse in 2009 under former Gov. Ed Rendell, public pressure swelled in the fall as schools opened without state funding on the horizon. Lawmakers and the Democratic governor concluded a deal that October, on a state budget due by law June 30…
Bernie Sanders’ Senate colleagues stunned by his ascent
POLITICO: Bernie Sanders’ Senate colleagues have come to know him as a bit player in the Democratic Caucus, a gruff, rumpled protest voice to the left of even the most liberal senators. Now the Vermont socialist is drawing crowds by the thousands seemingly everywhere he goes — and his cohorts in D.C. can hardly believe […]
Greece reaches deal with creditors, avoids euro exit
AOL: …The deal includes commitments from Tsipras to push a drastic austerity program including pension, market and privatization reforms through parliament as soon as possible. In return, the 18 other eurozone leaders committed to start talks on a new bailout program. “The Greeks have to show they’re credible, show that they mean it,” said Jeroen […]
Russian Orthodox Church and KGB
In truth, not only the entire Orthodox Church leadership was permeated by KGB agents, but also the leadership of Muslims and all other religions represented in the Soviet Union. After the fall of communism, some of them confessed that previously collaborated with the KGB.
The Sphynx speaks!
In my early thirties, from approximately 1970 to 1972, I undertook twice a week hour long psychotherapy sessions with Jonas Kolker, MD. Wife Terry and I were living in an apartment in Wheaton, MD. His office was in his stately home in Chevy Chase, a nearby D. C. suburb. Dr. Kolker appeared to be in […]
Real Reporting award for most asinine editorial goes to the Scranton Times-Tribune
The issue is simple: With or without the recommendation of a task force, does Wolf as governor have the authority to create a moratorium on executions?
Once novelty, casinos throughout Pennsylvania ‘surrounded by gators’
PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE: …In 1988, two states had casinos. Today 43 states allow casino gambling of some kind. That includes every state along Pennsylvania’s borders — with a total of 50 casinos or racetracks with slot machines operating in Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and West Virginia, with more planned to open as soon as […]
NewsLanc / RealReporting: Where we were, are, and are going
NewsLanc was created in 2006. Initially it acted as a gadfly on Lancaster County (PA), providing an alternative to the local news monopoly and exploring local politics and questionable public finances such as the county convention center and the local hospital.
Modern Doctors’ House Calls: Skype Chat and Fast Diagnosis
The same forces that have made instant messaging and video calls part of daily life for many Americans are now shaking up basic medical care. Health systems and insurers are rushing to offer video consultations for routine ailments, convinced they will save money and relieve pressure on overextended primary care systems in cities and rural areas alike.
Is the FTC doing enough to stop those mysterious hotel ‘resort fees’?
WASHINGTON POST: …A peek behind the curtains in the resort-fee drama suggests neither side is entirely correct. The government is, indeed, concerned about resort fees, which are mandatory surcharges added to your hotel bill for everything from use of the hotel gym to pool towels. These extras are usually disclosed after an initial price quote […]
Diplomats: Iran nuke deal expected Sunday
WASHINGTON POST / AP: Diplomats say negotiators at the Iran nuclear talks are expected to reach a provisional agreement Sunday on a historic deal that would curb the country’s atomic program in return for sanctions relief. Two diplomats at the talks tell The Associated Press the envisioned accord will be sent to capitals for review […]
Pope Francis: Unfettered Capitalism Is a ‘Subtle Dictatorship’
NEWSMAX: … “Today, the scientific community realizes what the poor have long told us: harm, perhaps irreversible harm, is being done to the ecosystem. The earth, entire peoples and individual persons are being brutally punished,” the Pope said. “And behind all this pain, death and destruction there is the stench of what Basil of Caesarea […]
Europe didn’t win
SLATE: …Throughout the entire crisis, Europe has treated Greece in belittling, often outright infantilizing ways. The hostility toward Syriza has been astonishing for two reasons. As Varoufakis has argued repeatedly, Syriza remains France and Germany’s best chance at getting any of their money back. It has no incentive, and possibly ability, to give it back […]
The latest: Tsipras, in personal speech, admits mistakes
AOL: In a speech with a strongly personal tone, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras says he negotiated as hard as he could and admits his government had made mistakes during his barely six-month tenure as he fought to win bailout funds for his debt-ridden country. Speaking in a late-night parliament session, Tsipras described the last few […]